All pet professionals who care for and about the welfare of these companion animals work hard so responsible pet owners have access to healthy companion animals. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has recently released comprehensive care, transport, and biosecurity standards for small animal breeders and distributors who will make this important goal more attainable.

Lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s breeding licensure provisions, as well as state law regarding who pays for the care of animals seized in abuse and cruelty cases while courts consider charges. State Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, a republican, has said he intends to introduce legislation related to breeding and inspections.

The longevity of Petland (and Ed!) is certainly something to celebrate, but it isn’t the anniversary that earned Ed this award. Rather, PIJAC was highlighting his commitment to animal care and innovation, and the significant impact they have had on the companion animal trade.

PIJAC is pleased to republish the below editorial from the Hawaii Star-Advertiser. It advocates against Senate Bill 1240, a measure that through scientifically unsound means would ban aquarium fishing in Hawaii.

Pets in the workplace have benefits like lowering stress levels and increasing job satisfaction. However, if your workplace does not regularly allow pets, here are a few tips that can help you make your case to a superior about making the event a positive experience for everyone.

Earlier this month, a PR group working on behalf of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asked a news reporter to pretend a cat is being abused in a video purported to raise awareness about animal abuse.

Throughout 2017, PIJAC has made a concerted effort to providing the responsible pet industry’s values and perspectives with relevant media. A huge part of that is creating relationships with the dedicated cat, dog, and other writers who care for and about pets through blogs, social media, and other online sources.

According to the American Humane Association, one in three pets become lost in their lifetime, and over 10 million dogs and cats become lost or stolen every year. While identification tags are a popular way to ensure pets have a way of getting home, they simply aren’t enough.

According to a growing body of research, the human-animal bond provides demonstrable health benefits for both people and pets. This is especially true for people who use therapy animals – which is why April 30 has been honored as National Therapy Animal Day.

For years, the responsible pet industry has been engaging, often pro-actively, with lawmakers to help them understand what ethical retailers and breeders do for pets and pet owners. Those efforts recently helped lead to industry-supported measures becoming law in Virginia, as well as forward movement on animal shelter regulations in Connecticut.

Since this sort of “Freaky Friday” swap only happens in Hollywood, let’s look at the reality of pet ownership – yes, it’s fun to have a beloved companion animal. But ownership also requires a deliberate awareness of the responsibilities we have for our pets.

PIJAC and a coalition of small business owners stopped a bill that would have devastated pet retailers and breeders in Virginia, and successfully lobbied state Senators to amend another bill so that it protected ethical breeders and held lawbreaking breeders accountable.

The U.S. pet industry is paws down--and fins, claws, scales, and wings down--an important and significant contributor to the U.S economy as evidenced by the findings of a recently announced study at the Pet Industry Leadership Conference on the economic impact of the U.S. pet industry.

From January 30 to February 2, PIJAC and hundreds of other leading groups and individuals will gather at the second annual Pet Industry Leadership Conference (PILC) in Laguna Beach, California, to arm the pet industry for a successful 2017.

In fact, according to First Pet by the Associated Press, the “number 400 is close to the many animals and other creatures that crept, crawled, plodded, padded, or hoofed their way into the history of the White House and the presidency.”

Deciding what attributes are best for your family is important because different small animals have their own unique behaviors. For example, hamsters and guinea pigs interact differently with children compared to a gerbil or chinchilla.

While August 22nd may be the official National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, every day can be a "Take Your Cat the the Vet Day" because even though your cat may look healthy, there are some common health issues that aren’t always easy to see.

Communication tools such as FirstLook serve to inform and engage pet professionals, pet hobbyists, and pet businesses on what is being said within, and about, the pet industry. But how effective is FirstLook? Does it generate genuine member-engagement and interest on important issues and trends with 'clicks' on articles?

The solution to this dilemma is simple; don’t be a stranger showing up at their office. If you have built a relationship with your legislators before an issue that threatens you arises you have a much better chance of being successful.

Oftentimes when delivering testimony, PIJAC staff point out that those of us in the pet field don’t just care ABOUT animals, we care FOR animals. That firsthand knowledge makes our members some of the best sources available for information on best practices and standard operating procedures as well as the likely impact of proposed legislation and regulations on our trade.

This new partnership will also help protect consumer choice and be more proactive in promoting the industry and its positive programs, while advocating for the health and well-being of companion animals.

Recently, I asked Marshall Meyers, Senior Advisor and former CEO of PIJAC and a partner at Meyers & Alterman here in Washington, D.C., to pause and reflect on how PIJAC and its advocacy on behalf of pets and our industry have evolved over the years. Marshall’s experience confronting our industry’s most pressing issues predates PIJAC’s incorporation in 1971.

This was the 6th Annual St. Puppy’s Day, and my first. Hosted by Pinnacle Pet, it’s one of several events held around the country each year offering educational forums for breeders on animal healthcare, breeding best practices and kennel design and maintenance.

Scott Hardin—a biologist, expert on exotic and invasive species and proud owner of a ball python named Ricky (as in Lucy’s husband)—has the kind of insight that comes only with years of experience working at the intersection of science, environmental stewardship and public policy, balancing conservation of fish and wildlife with responsible pet ownership.

Animal Planet’s popular Puppy Bowl, now in its 11th year, will run opposite the big game; 13.5 million of us tuned in last year to watch hours of puppies playing... All hype aside, TV commercials shown during the big game are a powerful reminder of the many choices we have as American consumers and, this year at least, what our canine companions mean to us.

As an organization, one of PIJAC’s main tenets is to promote responsible pet ownership, including snakes. We therefore denounce the Discovery channel’s mistreatment of animals for the purpose of ratings as irresponsible, exploitative and insulting to those who raise and care for constrictors.

In getting up to speed on all of the issues around responsible reptile ownership, I am lucky to have as my teachers leading reptile specialists right here in the PIJAC family. When it comes to reptiles, one such authority is John Mack, founder and CEO of Reptiles by Mack and one of the world’s leading experts on breeding and keeping reptiles.

With the 2014 midterm elections in the rear-view mirror, it's time to look ahead and prepare for how these elections may impact animal welfare, pet-choice, responsible pet ownership, and responsible pet businesses across the country in the coming months.

The 2015 Top2Top is sure to deliver value for those who attend. Don' t miss out. Take a moment to read the Top 5 reasons you need to be at the 2015 Top2Top Conference in sunny California and register today!

Let me briefly outline PIJAC’s position and explain why we believe microchipping is in the best interests of pets, their owners and the pet industry. It is also important to know that we are asking the Committee to consider amendments that take into account specific concerns we raised in expressing our support for the bill.

A recent editorial in the Sacramento Bee (“A Dangerous Dogs Act of 2015?” Nov. 8) called on the California State Assembly to propose a law to allow cities and counties to restrict specific dog breeds “up to and including outright bans.” People should absolutely be safe from harm and protected from violent animals. However, this is an issue that deserves to be addressed thoughtfully, rather than with knee-jerk legislation.

From the moment I walked onto the show floor at Aquatic Experience on Saturday morning, I found myself surrounded by excited families with smiling children marveling at all of the exhibits. It’s no wonder considering it was a bustling hall featuring everything for the aquatics enthusiast.

It’s no coincidence that, in new advertising campaigns for Budweiser and Discover, pets –- a yellow lab in the case of a responsible-drinking commercial by Anheuser-Busch, a frog for Discover –-head the cast.

We already know that pets benefit human health and enhance our quality of life at all stages. People living with pets report less stress and a greater sense of wellbeing. Research has shown that having pets in society results in an overall decrease in health care costs....

Today we have mounting evidence of the value — to people and their pets alike — of the human animal bond. My personal, albeit unscientific, experience certainly underscores what the research continues to tell us.

We at PIJAC are often asked about our favorite sources for reading up on the nature of the human-animal bond – one of pet ownership’s greatest rewards – and staying current on the latest research in the field.

Since stepping into my new role earlier this month, I have been traveling around the country meeting with PIJAC members and others in the pet business community, including visits to pet shops and commercial breeders. I am listening carefully to your input, deepening my understanding of the critical issues facing us and building new relationships.

Having an animal companion has been shown to help to reduce stress and blood pressure, increase a child’s sense of responsibility, teach compassion and promote an interest in conservation. And we are not just talking dogs and cats here.

As of today, bans of pet store sales of dogs and cats that come from commercial breeders have been enacted or are pending in 77 municipalities and states around the country. As well intended as most of their advocates are, pet store sales bans are not the answer.

Thomas Edison once said: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” At the 2015 Top2Top, however, the opportunity to network with industry leaders and learn the latest trends will look more like a workcation and come outfitted in business casual attire and sunglasses.

As a busy pet industry executive, it’s difficult for you to stay regularly informed about important pet-related news and information that affects your business. That’s why PIJAC is now offering to its members PIJAC FirstLook, your daily executive news brief.

I would like to personally share my stance on reptile ownership and ensure both owners of reptiles and the organizations that support them that as President and CEO of PIJAC I will work to protect reptiles as fiercely as any other pet type.

As many of you already know, I will become President and CEO of PIJAC next week. Before then, I wanted to take the time to introduce myself and explain – in my own words – why I embrace the opportunities and challenges of my new role. I want you to hear this directly from me.

Have you read the following op-ed supporting our position in Connecticut? The article was recently published by the Hartford Courant and comes at an important time for responsible pet stores and supporters of pet-choice in the Constitution State.

The serious issue of pet flipping is gaining national attention. PIJAC, the Better Business Bureau, and major news outlets such as NBC's Today Show, Time, and radio's Jim Bohannon Show are alerting consumers to the issue. Read this post to learn what pet flipping is and how you can prevent you and your family from becoming a victim.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The first annual Pet Industry ’s Top2Top Conference received rave reviews from attendees. Of note were the outstanding speakers, the networking functions, and the overall benefits...

Infographics are amazing. What’s an infographic? They are pictures that turn lots of numbers (data) into something easy to understand (information). Infographics are particularly valuable in social media because they...